Important: Safety Warning
This page contains a formula or preparation using substances now known to be dangerously toxic, such as arsenic, mercury, lead, or cyanide compounds. Exposure to these substances can cause severe poisoning, permanent injury, or death.
In addition, this page directs the use of hazardous substances — such as benzine, gasoline, lye, or strong acids — for household tasks. These materials are highly flammable, corrosive, or poisonous, and the practices described have caused fires, burns, and poisonings.
This information has been left in for historical purposes but should not be acted upon.
Home › Preservatives › Caution About Charcoal
Caution About Charcoal
It must be recollected that in all cases, to exercise its highest powers as a disinfectant, deodorizer, and bleacher, charcoal should be both fresh-burnt and fresh-powdered , and carefully preserved out of contact with the air, until about to be employed. Exposed to the air, it rapidly loses its valuable qualities. 1650. To Prevent Water From Pu- Water From Putrefying. Keep it in an iron vessel, or immerse fragments of iron in it. Distilled water, 113 parts. 1662. Preservative Fluids for Microscopic Objects. Canada balsam, spirit and water, glycerine solution of gelatine, saturated solutions of alum, chloride of zinc, and chloride of calcium, are all used to preserve microscopic objects. 1663. Solution for Preserving Feathers. Dissolve 16 grains strychnine in 1 pint rectified spirit. 1664. Corrosive Sublimate Antiseptic Solution. Dissolve 1 part corrosive sublimate (bichloride of mercury), and 3 parts chloride of sodium (table salt), in 100 parts chloric) acid. water should be kept in stoppered glass water containing 2 parts muriatic (hydrobottles.